So here we are. It looks like we're getting a patch 3.0.9 today with no PTR and no major advanced warning, if the extended maintenance has anything to say about it. On the good side, maybe this means they're working hard to get 3.1 out, and didn't want to spare the time on a 3.0.9 PTR. Then again, the patch is so small it seems sort of strange to me that they needed a new version number for it and not that other little patch just after 3.0.8 proper. Then again, maybe that is why I am a writer instead of a software engineer.

Anyhow, since we're looking at 8 hours of downtime, you're going to need something to occupy your time. So, as usual, let me recommend some articles from the past week that you have missed the first time around.
Hot News and Features

• Mana users, beware. In 3.1, there will be a reckoning.
• There was an interesting bug with Death Knights and Booty Bay discovered over the week, and we were able to document it before the hotfix. But, uh, it's totally a bad thing, we swear.
  
• So what's this about WoW being illegal in Australia? Well, it might not be that simple after all, reports our Sister site Massively.
  
• This "Q and A" with an unnamed WoW modeler is honestly probably as fake as those fake 3.1 patch notes from a few weeks back, but at least it's fun speculation.
• Hey Rookie, need help picking a class?
• It's always good to take a few minutes and make sure your account is as safe as it can be.
  
• Dual Spec information could be closer than you expect.
• Let The Overachiever help you get a Dragonhawk.
• Expect more insane Dwarves in WoW soon: Flintlocke's creator is headed to Blizzard.
  

Class News and Guides

• Welcome news for Warriors as Ghostcrawler reveals that they're strong considering doing away with stance penalties. You can see the first steps to that in the announced 3.1 Warrior changes, which helped soften the blow from the Deep Wounds nerf.
• Mages... Don't panic. You'll get more, we think. Maybe.
  
• Blizzard says they want more Frost and Blood Death Knights and few Unholy Death Knights. We discussed whether the announced 3.1 changes fit that bill.
• The blues delivered lots of good Hunter discussion and news this week, especially when the 3.1 stuff hit. That's right. No more Ammo buying.
  
• Rogues got some bloody brilliant announced changes for 3.1. Now if only they could pin down that Vanish bug.
  
• The Priest changes in 3.1 have been generally deemed divine. There's also been some good discussion from the blues about the role of the Priest.
  
• The Shaman Enhancement tree and Totems have some very nice buffs slated for 3.1.
• Druids got some very interesting tweaks for both Feral and Restoration announced for 3.1.
• As the proud owner of an Affliction Warlock, I'm pretty excited for the announced 3.1 Warlock changes.
• Baseline Blessing of Kings in 3.1? You aren't imagining things.
  

Raiding and Instancing

• Ghostcrawler delivers some homespun wisdom on damage meters.
• Does Overhealing matter?
• Zach looks at some of the numbers behind Replenishment.
• WoWJustu sort of sucks, so let's try to find some alternatives.
• Don't worry, raiders. Ulduar will be 64 harder, whatever that means.
• The above is a good reason to let Ready Check help you get ready for Ulduar.
  

Items, Professions, PvP, and more

• Looking to 2v2 with your rogue? We have a guide.
• Of course, you may just suck at Arena more than you realize. Check the Arena Matchmaking FAQ to be sure.
  
• Let us help you figure out what's up with the newest set of Darkmoon decks.
• Find out how Engineering can help you get a deer. Of course, it's the skunk that's really turning heads right now.
  
• What will 3.1 mean for PvP? We got a taste of it with Kalgan's hints of Season 6.
  
• Interested in the Strand of the Ancients? We have an overview and an Achievement guide.
• Good news, my fellow item hoarders: We may have a Tabard storage system soon.
• Here's my favorite piece of news from this latest flurry: We may get larger default backpacks after all.
  

Odds and Ends

• Our WoW-themed License Plate gallery continues to grow.
• Mike Schramm discussed what the Glider ruling could mean for copyright law, and Blizzard released their own take on the decision.
  
• Will the economic downturn hurt WoW?
• WoW in 3D may not be as awesome as you'd expect.
• Reader UI of the Week is back with 3 selections for your approval.
• When AFK attacks, sparks fly.
• Fellow Lore Nerds may be interested in some of the information coming out of the New York Comic Con.
  

Tags: downtime, maintenance, patch-3.0.9, roundup, server-downtime, server-maintenance, tuesday, tuesday-maintenance, tuesday-morning, tuesday-morning-post

Filed under: Patches, Analysis / Opinion, Realm Status, News items